Let me introduce myself, I'm Sarah (aka Sugarpuffish) my specialist subjects are natural & organic skincare, eczema and allergies (I sound like a contestant on Mastermind lol). Whilst Alice is on maternity leave, I am here to share some baby skin care tips and recommend brands. I don't have children but I have sensitive skin and eczema so I often use products formulated for babies.We all know babies have delicate skin so in the first month it is recommended you only use water to cleanse and after this time slowly introduce products. The idea is to allow the skin to develop its natural protective barrier and this may help reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions and eczema. Be careful not to over bathe your baby, two to three times a week is recommended.
My first tip is an important one - always read the labels. I recommend you avoid sulphates (SLS - sodium lauryl sulfate/SLES - sodium laureth sulfate), parabens, petrochemicals (paraffin/mineral oil), artificial colours and fragrances. When opting for natural and organic skincare I recommend you select products developed specifically for babies as the essential oils will be at a lower percentage compared to skincare suitable for adults. It is still possible to react to essential oils so I would always recommend patch testing. Watch out for the term "hypoallergenic/dermatologically tested" as it can be misleading. It's a marketing term used to imply a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction but that does not necessarily make it natural, organic or free from synthetic ingredients.
In your kit of baby products include soap/body wash, shampoo, body lotion/oil and nappy rash cream/balms. Avoid high street brands of baby powder (talc) as the ingredients can be considered harmful on baby’s lungs if inhaled (and same can be said for adults). I am also not a fan of lanolin and urea, common ingredients found in nipple balms and emollients. If you chose to use wet wipes, consider biodegradable brands that are free from perfume and alcohol. Please remember that unless the packet tells you otherwise, don't flush wipes down the toilet as they end up on our beaches. You may also wish to consider switching to a laundry detergent and fabric conditioner free from perfumes.
Many of the brands listed below offer products for Mum as well as baby. Gift sets are ideal if you are looking for value for money or a present for the new arrival.
Balm Balm - the fragrance free balm and oils are suitable for babies. I can also recommend the Chamomile floral water, a great multi purpose soothing mist for itchy skin.
Bare Bodycare - a “new to me” brand which caught my eye for its adorable 100% natural handcrafted products for mother and baby. A small but perfectly formed range of body butter, hair & body wash bar, bath tea and massage oils.
Bloom Remedies - handmade in Cornwall using certified organic ingredients, the range includes pregnancy oil, nappy balm, rescue balm (a personal favourite), baby oil, pillow mist and gift sets.
Handmade Naturals - another personal recommendation, I have used many their products including the unscented baby oil. Alongside their own range they also sell Eco-friendly Baby wipes.
Inner-Soul Organics - if you want a luxury treat the breast soothing oil and All-Over skin oil have been created with advice from midwives and breastfeeding specialists to care for mom and baby's skin.
Konjac Sponge - I highly recommend a Konjac sponge for delicate, sensitive skin and their product line includes face and bath sponges for newborns and children.
Myroo - handmade products always win me over, you can’t beat the attention to detail and personal touch. Myroo have a small line of baby products - soap, bath milk and balm
Nom Nom Skincare - I had the pleasure of judging these products at last years Free From Skincare Awards. The Camillia & Vanilla Stretch Butter was delightful and suitable even if not pregnant. The range includes body butters and oils, balm, body wash and gift sets.
Odylique by Essential Care - again another favorite brand and I have tried the baby gentle wash & shampoo. The repair lotion is good for irritated skin and mild eczema.
Organic Monkey - who can resist the adorable monkey branding and a range of balms, oils and gift sets.
Remember all these brands are suitable for adults as well but I do hope expectant and new Mums have found my post helpful. A BIG thank you to Alice for asking me to write for her blog.
